How to Avoid Leaving Lipstick Marks on Glass

By Aaron Charles

As long as red lipstick seduces men and women with its ruddy hues, somewhere in the world there will be some of that red left on someone's glass rim. As TheFrisky.com writer Nina Carbone asserted when she wrote about the allure of red Prada lipstick: "The red lipstick trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon." But less trendy is the less-than-flattering aftermath once your lipsticked lips hit the glass. Adhering to a few simple guidelines will help keep your glass clean and your etiquette in check.

Lipstick left on the glass doesn't leave behind a glamorous reputation.

Step 1

Blot behind the scenes. Use a napkin or tissue and blot before taking a sip. Do this out of the sight of others, if possible. If you can't sneak away, decide which is more tacky -- blotting in front of everyone, or leaving lipstick on your glass.

Step 2

Lick your glass surreptitiously. The film of saliva on the glass acts as a barrier between the glass and lipstick. But ensure that no one is watching you. The awkwardness that would ensue if someone saw you lick your glass defeats the purpose of avoiding leaving lipstick on the glass.

Step 3

Lick your lips. The moisture from a quick lip lick will help seal the color on your lips and keep it from transferring to glass. Use discretion. Licking your lips may convey nervousness or send a sexual signal to a clueless onlooker.

Step 4

Don't reapply lipstick until after dinner and drinks. "Freshening up" in the bathroom by reapplying lipstick will give your lips a fresh layer that will surely leave a mark on your glass.